By Allen Moff | Staff Writer Published: September 3, 2013 4:00 AM

Archer, the Golden Flashes' senior speedster who scored a school-record 23 touchdowns last year, suffered an ankle injury in the first quarter of last Thursday's season-opening 17-10 victory over Liberty. He left the game for good after just his third carry, finishing with 10 yards rushing, and watched the second half from the sideline without pads while wearing a walking boot on his left ankle.

First-year Kent State coach Paul Haynes confirmed during his weekly press conference on Monday that Archer twisted his ankle, likely while trying to dive over a pile of defenders during a six-yard run on his second carry of the game.

"He's day to day," said Haynes, who later added that Archer is no longer wearing the boot.

Archer played arguably his best game of the season in last year's MAC East Division title-clinching 31-24 victory at Bowling Green on Nov. 17. He rushed for 241 yards and two touchdowns, on breath-taking highlight-reel runs of 79 and 74 yards.

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Haynes said he'll be waiting just like everyone else this week to see if Archer will be cleared to play on Saturday.

"It won't be a secret," said Haynes. "I'm not trying to trick nobody."

Two other key starters, senior left guard Pat McShane (knee) and junior free safety Calvin Tiggle (foot), did not suit up for the opener. Haynes said their status is still uncertain as well, along with reserve offensive lineman Jim Katusha (concussion).

"McShane is day to day. He did a little bit of running for us (Sunday)," said Haynes. "Katusha is day to day. When you talk about the concussion thing, it's based on him going out there (in practice) and running, then they re-test him. He'll pick it up by the day, then they re-test him after practice. McShane is the same way. We'll add more and more each day, and if he can handle it and the knee doesn't swell up, he'll continue to (play more)."

Redshirt freshman Reno Reda started in place of McShane at left guard, while true freshman Wayne Scott also saw action. Sophomore Keenan Stalls started at free safety for Tiggle, who is listed as questionable for Saturday's game.